iOS 4.3 running slow on iPhone 3Gs? Downgrade to 4.2.1 [How-to] [Updated]

by Karthik K on March 14, 2011 in Apple

Apple released the latest version of iOS 5 beta at WWDC 2011. The iOS 5 comes with a lot of mouth watering features, that will tempt you to update your iDevice. But you will need to have a dev account with Apple to do that.

In case you aren’t happy with iOS 5 on your device, here’s how you can downgrade to iOS 4.3.3.
[alert_box]Note: You will not be able to downgrade your Baseband after you update to iOS 5.[/alert_box]

Download iOS 4.3.3 firmware for your iDevice
Connect your iDevice running iOS 5 to your computer and switch it off.
Put your iDevice into DFU mode. Press and hold Home and Power Button together for 10 seconds, after 10 second release power button & keep holding home button for 25 seconds.
Now, iTunes will show you a popup saying that it has detected an iPhone in restore mode. Click on OK.
Click the Check for Update button with the Option key (Mac) or Shift key(Windows) key pressed. Now, Select the iOS 4.3.3 IPSW file which you downloaded in Step-1.
This will initiate the Downgrade process and will installed iOS 4.3.3 signed by the Apple’s server.

[alert_box]Tip: If you are stuck in Receovery Mode, you can use TinyUmbrella (Mac and PC) or Recboot to come out of the recovery loop.[/alert_box]

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Andy

Thanks! Iansoluteky hate how with every new update Apple releases it cripples an older phone even more. What the hell?!
http://www.karthikk.net/ Karthik.K

iOS 4.3.1 solved mine completely. But I doubt if the battery drain is fixed. Yours?
Eduardo

4.3.1 kinda solved the slowliness on my 3GS. What about yours?
Theanimaster

I too found that 4.3.2 slows the shit outta my 3GS. Just some of the examples: slow safari, music stuttering when multitasking, apps and games slow down, and generally slow, stuttering, jerky interface. It really feels like I'm using a 3G and not a 3GS !! I have this feeling that Apple is doing this INTENTIONALLY so that you FEEL like your phone is old and you go and buy the next-gen model!! I mean… It's not the first time they've done this either. How about that fiasco with iOS 4.0 and how iphone 3G users suffered from THAT?

I'm downgrading to 4.2.1 for sure! That has got to be the "3.1.2" of the old days — the last bug-free update for the first gen devices.
Theanimaster

I too found that 4.3.2 slows the shit outta my 3GS. Just some of the examples: slow safari, music stuttering when multitasking, apps and games slow down, and generally slow, stuttering, jerky interface. It really feels like I’m using a 3G and not a 3GS !! I have this feeling that Apple is doing this INTENTIONALLY so that you FEEL like your phone is old and you go and buy the next-gen model!! I mean… It’s not the first time they’ve done this either. How about that fiasco with iOS 4.0 and how iphone 3G users suffered from THAT?

I’m downgrading to 4.2.1 for sure! That has got to be the “3.1.2″ of the old days — the last bug-free update for the first gen devices.
- http://www.karthikk.net Karthik.K
  
  Hi Theanimaster,
  
  You are absolutely true. Did you try a DFU restore? Even I had all the thoughts you have now on Apple. But slightly changed since many devices are working fine even on 4.3.2. You can use my guide to downgrade to 4.3.1 or 4.3. But I would suggest you to try a DFU restore before you downgrade. Ping me on twitter: @ImKarthikK if you've got any queries or problems while downgrading or any other issue.
- http://www.karthikk.net Karthik.K
  
  Hi Theanimaster,
  You are absolutely true. Did you try a DFU restore? Even I had all the thoughts you have now on Apple. But slightly changed since many devices are working fine even on 4.3.2. You can use my guide to downgrade to 4.3.1 or 4.3. But I would suggest you to try a DFU restore before you downgrade. Ping me on twitter: @ImKarthikK if you’ve got any queries or problems while downgrading or any other issue.
Mrmartyn1984

Is there a way to create a backup but have it so it’ll restore the backup on 4.2.1?
- http://www.karthikk.net Karthik.K
  
  You can create a backup of 4.3.2. But restoring it will fail, unless you use tinyumbrella.

iOS 4.3 running slow on iPhone 3Gs? Downgrade to 4.2.1 [How-to] [Updated]

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